The economic downturn has seen many American families relocate after losing their homes amid financial difficulties. Here in Chicago, however, there are those who have left their previous homes under much harsher circumstances - warfare or persecution.
While other forms of immigration to the U.S. have dropped off recently, refugees from Burma, Bhutan, Iraq, and various African nations continue to arrive in American cities like Chicago. Aside from limited government assistance, these refugees rely largely on local charities to help get them started in their new lives.
Here in Chicago, the Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries (IRIM) is one such not-for-profit that assists refugees in integrating with local communities and gaining self sufficiency. According to the IRIM, their organization picks up where the movie Hotel Rwanda leaves off, meeting immigrants at the airport and helping them with housing, employment, school, health care, and other needs.
The assistance IRIM provides is ambitious, but you can help out in smaller, more specific ways. Everything from providing tutoring, mentoring, or childcare to cosponsoring a family or providing employment is all in demand by IRIM’s volunteer services. You can volunteer on your own or as part of an office, club, or religious group.
Granted, times are tougher for Chicagoans today than they have been in past years. Still, for those who speak little English, have no savings, and lack a network of friends and family, life is an even greater a challenge. If you can assist in any small way, the gratitude you’ll earn for yourself and our city will no doubt be immense.
The IRIM will be holding their Fourth Annual Fundraiser on Friday May 8, 2009 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Save the date, and learn more at www.irim.org.
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